Shaft-Driven Gas Turbine Supercharging with Bypass Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine systems face inefficiencies and capacity losses due to parasitic power consumption from independent electric motor-driven superchargers, which can lead to reduced output at high ambient temperatures and low pressures, and increased capital costs for variable speed drives.
Innovation Solution
A supercharging system where a mechanically coupled fan assembly, driven by the gas turbine shaft, increases inlet air pressure and temperature, utilizing a bypass system and air cooling to optimize airflow and power output, while minimizing electrical losses and equipment stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an electric motor-driven supercharger is used to boost compressor inlet air pressure, then the gas turbine output is increased, but parasitic power consumption increases causing capacity loss
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is mechanically coupled to the gas turbine shaft, merging the supercharging function with the turbine's mechanical output. This eliminates the need for a separate electric motor and reduces parasitic power consumption by using the turbine's own rotational energy to drive the fan.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercharger system serves itself by being driven by the turbine shaft rather than requiring external electrical power. The fan assembly utilizes the rotational motion already present in the turbine system, making the supercharging process self-sustaining without additional energy input from external sources.
2Stress or pressure
If a fan assembly is added to boost air pressure, then compressor inlet pressurization is achieved, but device complexity and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly is integrated with the existing gas turbine shaft system, combining the supercharging function with the turbine's mechanical output. This merging approach avoids adding separate drive systems, motors, and control electronics, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired pressurization.
3Loss of energy
If the fan assembly is driven by the gas turbine shaft, then parasitic power is eliminated, but the additional compression stage may exceed equipment limits
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes variable geometry diverts that can dynamically adjust the airflow path based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize performance while preventing excessive compression that could exceed equipment limits, ensuring reliable operation across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors operating parameters and adjusts the variable geometry diverts to regulate airflow and pressure. This feedback mechanism ensures that the additional compression stage remains within equipment limits while maximizing the benefits of shaft-driven supercharging.
4Productivity
If gas fuel heating is installed to improve plant efficiency, then output and efficiency increase, but capital costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fan assembly serves multiple functions: it provides supercharging to increase compressor inlet pressure, and it can also be used for cooling purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby improving plant efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity or capital costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances power output capacity at high ambient temperatures and low pressures without exceeding equipment limits, reduces thermal strain, and achieves higher rated power with a small capital investment, avoiding electrical losses and operational complexities of motor-driven superchargers.
Implementation Method 1
a fan assembly (39) which increases the pressure of an air stream
Implementation Method 2
air cooling (43) to control the temperature of the air stream
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A supercharging system (11) for a gas turbine system (13) is provided the supercharging system having a fan (41) mechanically coupled to the turbine shaft (27) of the turbine system. A bypass subsystem (59) is provided or optionally conveying a portion of the airstream output to other uses. The supercharging system may also be used in conjunction with a combined cycle power system and a bypass subsystem optionally conveys a portion of the airstream output to a heat recovery steam generator (15).